EP3715656B1 - Verschleisssensoren zur überwachung des dichtungsverschleisses in lageranordnungen - Google Patents

Verschleisssensoren zur überwachung des dichtungsverschleisses in lageranordnungen Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3715656B1
EP3715656B1 EP19211458.5A EP19211458A EP3715656B1 EP 3715656 B1 EP3715656 B1 EP 3715656B1 EP 19211458 A EP19211458 A EP 19211458A EP 3715656 B1 EP3715656 B1 EP 3715656B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wear
sacrificial conductor
seal member
seal
encapsulation body
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19211458.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3715656A1 (de
Inventor
James Elder
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hamilton Sundstrand Corp
Original Assignee
Hamilton Sundstrand Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hamilton Sundstrand Corp filed Critical Hamilton Sundstrand Corp
Publication of EP3715656A1 publication Critical patent/EP3715656A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3715656B1 publication Critical patent/EP3715656B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C41/00—Other accessories, e.g. devices integrated in the bearing not relating to the bearing function as such
    • F16C41/002—Conductive elements, e.g. to prevent static electricity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N17/00—Investigating resistance of materials to the weather, to corrosion, or to light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C17/00—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C17/12—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement characterised by features not related to the direction of the load
    • F16C17/24—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement characterised by features not related to the direction of the load with devices affected by abnormal or undesired positions, e.g. for preventing overheating, for safety
    • F16C17/246—Sliding-contact bearings for exclusively rotary movement characterised by features not related to the direction of the load with devices affected by abnormal or undesired positions, e.g. for preventing overheating, for safety related to wear, e.g. sensors for measuring wear
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C19/00—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement
    • F16C19/52—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with devices affected by abnormal or undesired conditions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/72—Sealings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16J—PISTONS; CYLINDERS; SEALINGS
    • F16J15/00—Sealings
    • F16J15/16—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces
    • F16J15/34—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with slip-ring pressed against a more or less radial face on one member
    • F16J15/3492—Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with slip-ring pressed against a more or less radial face on one member with monitoring or measuring means associated with the seal
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2233/00—Monitoring condition, e.g. temperature, load, vibration
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C2360/00—Engines or pumps
    • F16C2360/23—Gas turbine engines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
    • F16C33/66—Special parts or details in view of lubrication
    • F16C33/6637—Special parts or details in view of lubrication with liquid lubricant
    • F16C33/664—Retaining the liquid in or near the bearing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
    • F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
    • F16C33/72—Sealings
    • F16C33/76—Sealings of ball or roller bearings

Definitions

  • the subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to rotating machinery, and more particularly to monitoring seal wear in bearing arrangements such as in rotating machinery.
  • Dynamic seals typically employ a seal carrier supporting a carbon seal ring and a bellows. The bellows urges the seal carrier and carbon seal ring against a rotating steel ring such that contacting surfaces of the carbon seal ring and the steel ring retain oil provided to the bearing compartment on one side of the contacting surfaces.
  • the carbon seal ring Even though the contacting surfaces are lubricated by the oil provided to the bearing compartment the carbon seal ring generally wears over time.
  • the wear rate is typically a function of the axial load exerted on the carbon seal ring, oil temperature, and oil flow rate as well as the surface finish and angularity imparted into the contacting surfaces by the tolerances of manufacturing processes used to form the surfaces. Since wear of the carbon seal ring beyond a certain level can cause the seal carrier to contact the rotating seal ring, allowing oil to the escape the bearing compartment and/or metal debris to enter the oil system, seals are generally inspected and/or replaced during service. The interval between inspection and/or replacement events is typically determined based according to an estimation of the seal wear rate for a given dynamic seal application.
  • a sensor assembly in certain embodiments includes a wear sensor and a seal member.
  • the wear sensor has an encapsulation body with a wear face, a sacrificial conductor embedded within the encapsulation body and spaced apart from the wear face, and a monitoring lead extending into the encapsulation body and connected to the sacrificial conductor.
  • the wear sensor is fixed relative to the seal member and the encapsulation body has a wear coefficient that is greater than a wear coefficient of the seal member.
  • further embodiments may include that the encapsulation body is formed from a polymeric material.
  • further embodiments may include that the sacrificial conductor is electrically insulated by the encapsulation body.
  • further embodiments may include that the sacrificial conductor is electrically continuous within the encapsulation body.
  • further embodiments may include that the sacrificial conductor is electrically discontinuous within the encapsulation body.
  • further embodiments may include that the sacrificial conductor comprises a wire loop with a monitoring end and a wear face end, the wear face end of the wire loop arranged between the wear face of the encapsulation body and the monitoring end of wire loop.
  • further embodiments may include that the sacrificial conductor is a first sacrificial conductor and further comprising a second sacrificial conductor, the second sacrificial conductor connected to the first sacrificial conductor.
  • further embodiments may include that the second sacrificial conductor is connected electrically in series with the first sacrificial conductor.
  • further embodiments may include that the second sacrificial conductor is connected electrically in parallel with the first sacrificial conductor.
  • further embodiments may include a resistance meter in electrical communication with the sacrificial conductor.
  • the resistance meter comprises a processor in communication with a non-transitory machine readable medium with instructions recorded on it that, when read by the processor, cause the processor to apply a voltage to the sacrificial conductor, measure an electrical parameter of the sacrificial conductor, and provide an indication of seal wear when the measurement of the electrical parameter indicates that the sacrificial conductor is electrically discontinuous.
  • further embodiments may include that the resistance meter to measure seal wear based on at least two stepwise changes in the electrical parameter.
  • further embodiments may include that the electrical parameter is one of electrical resistance and current flow.
  • a bearing arrangement in accordance with certain embodiments includes a bearing compartment housing a bearing assembly, a sensor assembly as described above, the seal member being and the bearing arrangement including a second seal member with a contact face, wherein the wear face of the wear sensor is in frictional engagement with the contact face of the second seal member, wherein the first seal member is in frictional engagement with the contact face of the second seal member and impounds lubricant within the bearing compartment.
  • bearing assembly has an inner race arranged along a rotation axis, an outer race extending about the inner race, and two or more roller elements distributed about the rotation axis and between the inner race and the outer race, wherein the first seal member is fixed in rotation relative to the outer race, and wherein the second seal member is fixed relative to the inner race.
  • further embodiments may include that a shaft supported for rotation by the bearing assembly, wherein the first seal member comprises a carbon material, wherein the second seal member comprises a steel material, wherein the shaft is low pressure shaft or a high pressure shaft of a gas turbine engine.
  • a method of monitoring seal wear includes, at a sensor assembly as described above, applying a voltage to sacrificial conductor, measuring an electrical parameter of the sacrificial conductor, and signalling seal wear in a seal member fixed relative to the wear sensor when the measurement indicates that the sacrificial conductor is electrically discontinuous, wherein the encapsulation body has wear coefficient that is greater than a wear coefficient of the seal member, and signalling no seal wear when the measurement indicates that the sacrificial conductor is electrically continuous.
  • further embodiments may include measuring seal wear based on at least two stepwise changes in the electrical parameter.
  • further embodiments may include that the electrical parameter is resistance of the sacrificial conductor.
  • further embodiments may include that the electrical parameter is current flow through the sacrificial conductor.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure include the capability to monitor seal wear.
  • the present disclosure provides the capability to monitor the progression of seal wear, such as in bearing arrangements in gas turbine engines.
  • the present disclosure provides the capability to monitor seal wear non-invasively, i.e., without alteration of the baseline configuration of seal members employed in a seal arrangement.
  • FIG. 1 a partial view of an exemplary embodiment of a bearing arrangement with a sensor assembly in accordance with the disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 100.
  • FIG. 2-7 Other embodiments of sensor assemblies, bearing arrangements, and methods of monitoring seal wear in accordance with the present disclosure, or aspects thereof, are provided in Figs. 2-7 , as will be described.
  • the systems and methods described herein can be used monitoring seal wear in rotating machinery, such as in bearing arrangements supporting rotating structures in gas turbine engines, though the present disclosure is not limited to gas turbine engines or to bearing arrangements in general.
  • the gas turbine engine 10 includes a fan 12, a compressor section 14, a combustion section 16, and a turbine section 18.
  • the compressor section 14 includes a low pressure compressor 20 and a high pressure compressor 22 arranged along a rotation axis 24 and housed within a case 26.
  • the turbine section 18 includes a high pressure turbine 28 and a low pressure turbine 30 and is also arranged along the rotation axis 24 and housed with the case 26.
  • a low pressure shaft 32 connects the low pressure turbine 30 to the low pressure compressor 20 to form a low pressure spool 34.
  • a high pressure shaft 36 connects the high pressure turbine 28 to the high pressure compressor 22 to a form a high pressure spool 38.
  • the fan 12 is operatively associated with the low pressure spool 34 through a gearbox 40, which connects the fan 12 to the low pressure spool 34, and which allows the fan 12 to rotate about the rotation axis 24 at speed different than that of the low pressure spool 34.
  • the bearing arrangement 100 is arranged within a bearing compartment 44 and supports the low pressure shaft 32 for rotation about the rotation axis 24 and includes a sensor assembly 102 (shown in FIG. 2 ).
  • the compressor section 14 ingests air from the ambient environment 42 and compresses the air.
  • the compressed air is communicated to the combustion section 16, which generates a flow of high pressure combustion products that the combustion section 16 communicates to the turbine section 18.
  • the turbine section 18 expands the high pressure combustion products and extracts work therefrom as the high pressure combustion products successively traverse the high pressure turbine 28 and the low pressure turbine 30 prior to issue of the high pressure combustion products to the ambient environment 42.
  • a portion of the extracted work is applied by the high pressure turbine 28 to rotate the high pressure compressor 22 through high pressure shaft 36.
  • Another portion of the extracted work is applied by the low pressure turbine 30 to the low pressure compressor 20 and the fan 12 through the low pressure shaft 32.
  • the bearing arrangement 100 includes a sensor assembly 102, a first seal member 104, a second seal member 106, and a bearing assembly 108.
  • the bearing assembly 108 includes an outer race 110, an inner race 112, and a plurality of roller elements 114.
  • the inner race 112 extends circumferentially about a shaft, e.g., the high pressure shaft 36 (shown in FIG. 1 ) or the low pressure shaft 32 (shown in FIG. 1 ), and is fixed relative to the shaft for rotation axis 24.
  • the outer race 110 extends circumferentially about the inner race 112 and is fixed relative to a stationary structure, e.g., the case 26 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • the plurality of roller elements 114 are distributed circumferentially about the inner race 112 and are each rotatable about a roller axis relative to the inner race 112 and the outer roller race.
  • the first seal member 104 extends circumferentially about the rotation axis 24, is fixed relative to the outer race 110 of the bearing assembly 108, and is a wear part.
  • the second seal member 106 axially opposes the first seal member 104, extends circumferentially about the rotation axis 24, and is fixed in rotation relative to the inner race 112.
  • a contact face 116 is defined on an axial end of the second seal member 106 and opposes the first seal member 104, the first seal member 104 being in frictional engagement with the contact face 116 of the second seal member 106 and thereby impounding a lubricant 120 within the bearing compartment 44.
  • the wear sensor 128 is fixed relative to the first seal member 104, axially opposes the second seal member 106, and in frictional arrangement with the contact face 116 of the second seal member 106.
  • the second seal member 106 is arranged as runner fixed in rotation to a shaft, e.g., the low pressure shaft 32 (shown in FIG. 1 ) or the high pressure shaft 36 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the gas turbine engine 10 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • the frictional engagement of the first seal member 104 with the second seal member 106 progressively wears the first seal member 104 during operation by removing material 122 from the first seal member 104.
  • accumulated wear can require the replacement of the first seal member 104, for example prior to a seal carrier 124 and/or a seal member biasing member 126 supporting the first seal member 104 coming into frictional engagement with the second seal member 106.
  • prognostic estimates can be used to determine when replacement of the first seal member 104 is required, estimates can sometimes result in the first seal member 104 being replaced earlier than required - adding expense and reducing the availability otherwise provided by the gas turbine engine 10 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • the sensor assembly 102 is provided to provide indication when accumulated wear of the first seal member 104 reaches a predetermined level, e.g., is exhibiting wear sufficient to warrant replacement at the next schedule overhaul of the gas turbine engine 10.
  • the sensor assembly 102 includes the wear sensor 128 and the first seal member 104.
  • the wear sensor 128 has an encapsulation body 130 with a wear face 132, a sacrificial conductor 134 embedded within the encapsulation body 130 and spaced apart from the wear face 132, and a monitoring lead 136 extending into the encapsulation body 130 and connected to the sacrificial conductor 134.
  • the wear sensor 128 is fixed relative to the first seal member 104 and the encapsulation body 130 has a wear coefficient 138 that is greater than a wear coefficient 140 of the first seal member 104.
  • the wear sensor 128 is fixed relative to the first seal member 104 such that the wear face 132 of the encapsulation body 130 opposes the second seal member 106. More particularly, the wear sensor 128 is fixed relative to the first seal member 104 such that wear face 132 of the encapsulation body 130 is in frictional engagement with the contact face 116 of the second seal member 106. Being in frictional engagement with the contact face 116 of the second seal member 106, relative movement between the wear face 132 and the contact face 116 of the second seal member 106 progressively reduces the spacing between sacrificial conductor 134 and the wear face 132.
  • the rate at which the frictional engagement reduces the spacing between the sacrificial conductor 134 and the wear face 132 corresponds (i.e. is substantially equivalent) to the rate at which the first seal member 104 wears.
  • the sensor assembly 102 is shown in a condition where the sacrificial conductor 134 is electrically continuous within the encapsulation body 130. It is contemplated that the sacrificial conductor 134 is electrically insulated by the encapsulation body 130.
  • the encapsulation body 130 is formed from a polymeric material 142.
  • the first seal member 104 is a carbon seal member, and includes a carbon material 144.
  • the second seal member 106 be a steel seal member, and includes a steel material 146.
  • the second seal member 106 can have a wear coefficient 138 that is lower than the wear coefficient 140 of the first seal member 104.
  • a resistance meter 148 is in electrical communication with the sacrificial conductor 134. More specifically, the resistance meter 148 is electrically connected to the sacrificial conductor 134 by the monitoring lead 136. The resistance meter 148 is configured to provide a worn seal indication 150 when an electrical parameter of the sacrificial conductor 134, e.g., resistance or current flow, exceeds (in the case or resistance) or falls below (in the case of current) a predetermined value.
  • an electrical parameter of the sacrificial conductor 134 e.g., resistance or current flow
  • the resistance meter 148 includes a processor 158, a memory 160, a device interface 164, and a user interface 166.
  • the processor 158 is operatively connected to the user interface 166, is operatively connected to the sensor 128 through the device interface 164, and is disposed in communication with the memory 160.
  • the memory 160 a non-transitory machine readable medium and has a plurality of program modules 162 recorded on the memory 160 that, when read by the processor 158, cause the processor 158 to undertake certain operations. Among those operations are operations to apply a voltage to the sacrificial conductor 134 and acquire a measurement of an electrical parameter of the sacrificial conductor 134.
  • the processor When the electrical parameter indicates that the sacrificial conductor 134 is continuous, as shown in FIG. 3 , the processor provides no indication of seal wear. When the electrical parameter indicates that the sacrificial conductor 134 is discontinuous, as shown in FIG. 4 , the processor provides the indication of seal wear 150 (shown in FIG. 4 ). In a further respect instructions can cause the processor to execute the operations of a method 400 (shown in FIG. 7 ) of monitoring seal wear, as will be described.
  • the sacrificial conductor 134 includes a wire loop 152.
  • the wire loop 152 has a monitoring end 154 and a wear face end 156, the wear face end 156 of the wire loop 152 arranged between the wear face 132 of the encapsulation body 130 and the monitoring end 154 of the wire loop 152.
  • Employment of the wire loop 152 allows for orientation of the sacrificial conductor 134 toward the contact face 116, e.g., a major dimension of the wire loop 152 is substantially parallel to the rotation axis 24, along the rotation axis 24. This causes the resistance change to be relatively pronounced with the second seal member 106 is electrically conductive.
  • the sensor assembly 102 is shown in a condition where the sacrificial conductor 134 is electrically discontinuous within the encapsulation body 130.
  • the wear progressive causes the sacrificial conductor 134 to advance toward the contact face 116 of the second seal member 106.
  • the advancement of the sacrificial conductor 134 is such that there is substantially no spacing between the sacrificial conductor 134 and wear face 132 the sacrificial conductor 134 comes into frictional engagement with the second seal member 106.
  • wear of the sacrificial conductor 134 is such that the sacrificial conductor 134 becomes discontinuous within the encapsulation body 130, electrical resistance of the sacrificial conductor 134 increases a value above a predetermined value, the resistance meter 148 provides the worn seal indication 150.
  • a sensor assembly 202 is shown.
  • the sensor assembly 202 is similar to the sensor assembly 102 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and additionally includes a first sacrificial conductor 204 and a second sacrificial conductor 206.
  • the second sacrificial conductor 206 is connected electrically with the first sacrificial conductor 204. More specifically, the second sacrificial conductor 206 is connected electrically in series with the first sacrificial conductor 204. Further, the second sacrificial conductor 206 is offset circumferentially about the rotation axis 24 (shown in FIG. 1 ) relative to the first sacrificial conductor 204.
  • the first sacrificial conductor 204 and the second sacrificial conductor 206 allow the sensor assembly 202 to provide the worn seal indication 150 (shown in FIG. 3 ) of seal wear when wear at the location either (or both) first sacrificial conductor 204 and the second sacrificial conductor 206 exceeds a predetermined amount.
  • connecting the first sacrificial conductor 204 with the second sacrificial conductor 206 allows for monitoring for uneven seal wear because discontinuity in either the first sacrificial conductor 204 or the second sacrificial conductor 206 can increase resistance in the sensor assembly 202 sufficient for the resistance meter 148 (shown in FIG. 3 ) to indicate that seal wear has reached a predetermined level. Uneven seal wear can occur, for example, when the second seal member 106 (shown in FIG. 2 ) is fixed in rotation relative to the first seal member 104 (shown in FIG.
  • a sensor assembly 202 having a first sacrificial conductor 204 and a second sacrificial conductor 206 are shown in FIG. 5 , it is to be understood and appreciated that certain embodiments of the sensor assembly 202 can have more than two sacrificial conductors, as suitable for an intended application.
  • a sensor assembly 302 is shown.
  • the sensor assembly 302 is similar to the sensor assembly 102 (shown in FIG. 2 ) and additionally includes a first sacrificial conductor 304 and a second sacrificial conductor 306.
  • the second sacrificial conductor 306 is connected to the first sacrificial conductor 304 connected electrically to one another in parallel. More specifically, the first sacrificial conductor 304 and the second sacrificial conductor 306 are connected electrically with one another in parallel and are offset stepwise from a wear face 308 of an encapsulation body 130 containing the first sacrificial conductor 304 and the second sacrificial conductor 306 by different distances.
  • the sensor assembly 302 can provide graduated resistance change corresponding to accumulated seal wear. This allows the resistance meter 148 (shown in FIG. 3 ) to provide an indication of accumulated seal wear, for example, a prognostic indication of seal wear remaining prior to a the first seal member 104 requiring inspection and/or replacement using at least two stepwise changes in an electrical parameter.
  • the electrical parameter can be one of electrical resistance and current flow.
  • the method 400 includes applying a voltage to a sacrificial conductor, e.g., the sacrificial conductor 134 (shown in FIG. 3 ), as shown with box 410.
  • An electrical parameter of the sacrificial conductor is measured, as shown with box 420.
  • the measurement is compared to a predetermined parameter range, as shown with box 430.
  • Seal wear is signalled when the measurement indicates that the sacrificial conductor is electrically discontinuous, as shown with box 440. No wear is signalled when the measurement indicates that the sacrificial conductor is electrically continuous, as shown with box 450. In certain embodiments determining remaining seal life based on the parameter measurement, as shown with box 460. It is contemplated that electrical parameter can include resistivity or current flow, as shown with boxes 422 and 424.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Ecology (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Sensorbaugruppe, die Folgendes umfasst:
    einen Verschleißsensor (128), der Folgendes aufweist:
    einen Ummantelungskörper (130) mit einer Verschleißfläche (132) ;
    einen Opferleiter (134), der innerhalb des Ummantelungskörpers eingebettet und von der Verschleißfläche beabstandet ist; und
    eine Überwachungsleitung (136), die sich in den Ummantelungskörper erstreckt und mit dem Opferleiter verbunden ist; und
    ein Dichtungselement, das in Bezug auf den Verschleißsensor feststehend ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Ummantelungskörper einen Verschließkoeffizienten aufweist, der höher als ein Verschleißkoeffizient des Dichtungselements ist.
  2. Sensorbaugruppe nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Ummantelungskörper aus einem Polymermaterial gebildet ist.
  3. Sensorbaugruppe nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Opferleiter durch den Ummantelungskörper elektrisch isoliert ist; oder
    wobei der Opferleiter innerhalb des Ummantelungskörpers elektrisch durchgängig ist; oder
    wobei der Opferleiter innerhalb des Ummantelungskörpers nicht elektrisch durchgängig ist.
  4. Sensorbaugruppe nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Opferleiter eine Drahtschleife mit einem Überwachungsende und einem Verschleißflächenende umfasst, wobei das Verschleißflächenende der Drahtschleife zwischen der Verschleißfläche des Ummantelungskörpers und dem Überwachungsende der Drahtschleife angeordnet ist.
  5. Sensorbaugruppe nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche 1, wobei der Opferleiter ein erster Opferleiter ist, und ferner umfassend einen zweiten Opferleiter, wobei der zweite Opferleiter mit dem ersten Opferleiter verbunden ist.
  6. Sensorbaugruppe nach Anspruch 5, wobei der zweite Opferleiter elektrisch in Reihe mit dem ersten Opferleiter verbunden ist; oder
    wobei der zweite Opferleiter elektrisch parallel mit dem ersten Opferleiter verbunden ist.
  7. Sensorbaugruppe nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend einen Widerstandsmesser in elektrischer Kommunikation mit dem Opferleiter.
  8. Sensorbaugruppe nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Widerstandsmesser einen Prozessor in Kommunikation mit einem nichttransitorischen maschinenlesbaren Medium mit darauf aufgezeichneten Anweisungen umfasst, die, wenn sie durch den Prozessor gelesen werden, den Prozessor zu Folgendem veranlassen:
    Anlegen einer Spannung an den Opferleiter;
    Messen eines elektrischen Parameters des Opferleiters; und
    Bereitstellen einer Angabe von Dichtungsverschleiß, wenn die Messung des elektrischen Parameters angibt, dass der Opferleiter nicht elektrisch durchgängig ist; und vorzugsweise
    wobei die Anweisungen den Widerstandsmesser dazu veranlassen, den Dichtungsverschleiß auf Grundlage von mindestens zwei schrittweisen Änderungen des elektrischen Parameters zu messen.
  9. Sensorbaugruppe nach Anspruch 7, wobei der elektrische Parameter einer von einem elektrischen Widerstand und einem Stromfluss ist.
  10. Lageranordnung, die Folgendes umfasst:
    eine Lagerkammer, die eine Lagerbaugruppe aufnimmt;
    eine Sensorbaugruppe nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Dichtungselement ein erstes Dichtungselement ist; und
    ein zweites Dichtungselement mit einer Kontaktfläche, wobei die Verschleißfläche des Verschleißsensors in Reibeingriff mit der Kontaktfläche des zweiten Dichtungselements steht, wobei das erste Dichtungselement in Reibeingriff mit der Kontaktfläche des zweiten Dichtungselements steht und Schmiermittel innerhalb der Lagerkammer aufstaut.
  11. Lageranordnung nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Lagerbaugruppe Folgendes umfasst:
    einen inneren Laufring, der entlang einer Rotationsachse angeordnet ist;
    einen äußeren Laufring, der sich um den inneren Laufring herum erstreckt; und
    eine Vielzahl von Rollenkörpern, die um die Rotationsachse und zwischen dem inneren Laufring und dem äußeren Laufring verteilt ist,
    wobei das erste Dichtungselement in Bezug auf den äußeren Laufring drehfest ist und wobei das zweite Dichtungselement in Bezug auf den inneren Laufring feststehend ist.
  12. Lageranordnung nach Ansprüchen 10 oder 11, ferner umfassend eine Welle, die zur Drehung durch die Lagerbaugruppe gelagert ist, wobei das erste Dichtungselement ein Kohlenstoffmaterial umfasst, wobei das zweite Dichtungselement ein Stahlmaterial umfasst, wobei die Welle eine Niederdruckwelle oder eine Hochdruckwelle eines Gasturbinentriebwerks ist.
  13. Verfahren zum Überwachen von Dichtungsverschleiß, das Folgendes umfasst:
    an einer Sensorbaugruppe, die einen Verschleißsensor mit einem Ummantelungskörper mit einer Verschleißfläche, einen Opferleiter, der innerhalb des Ummantelungskörpers eingebettet und von der Verschleißfläche beabstandet ist, und eine Überwachungsleitung, die sich in den Ummantelungskörper erstreckt und mit dem Opferleiter verbunden ist, beinhaltet,
    Anlegen einer Spannung an den Opferleiter;
    Messen eines elektrischen Parameters des Opferleiters;
    Signalisieren von Dichtungsverschleiß in einem Dichtungselement, das in Bezug auf den Verschleißsensor feststehend ist, wenn die Messung angibt, dass der Opferleiter nicht elektrisch durchgängig ist, wobei der Ummantelungskörper einen Verschleißkoeffizienten aufweist, der höher als ein Verschleißkoeffizient des Dichtungselements ist; und
    Signalisieren von keinem Dichtungsverschleiß, wenn die Messung angibt, dass der Opferleiter elektrisch durchgängig ist.
  14. Verfahren nach Anspruch 13, ferner umfassend Messen von Dichtungsverschleiß auf Grundlage von mindestens zwei schrittweisen Änderungen des elektrischen Parameters.
  15. Verfahren nach Ansprüchen 13 oder 14, wobei der elektrische Parameter ein Widerstand des Opferleiters ist; oder
    wobei der elektrische Parameter ein Stromfluss durch den Opferleiter ist.
EP19211458.5A 2019-03-26 2019-11-26 Verschleisssensoren zur überwachung des dichtungsverschleisses in lageranordnungen Active EP3715656B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/365,031 US11112348B2 (en) 2019-03-26 2019-03-26 Wear sensors for monitoring seal wear in bearing arrangements

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3715656A1 EP3715656A1 (de) 2020-09-30
EP3715656B1 true EP3715656B1 (de) 2022-03-16

Family

ID=68696312

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19211458.5A Active EP3715656B1 (de) 2019-03-26 2019-11-26 Verschleisssensoren zur überwachung des dichtungsverschleisses in lageranordnungen

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US11112348B2 (de)
EP (1) EP3715656B1 (de)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102019127850A1 (de) * 2019-10-16 2021-04-22 Voith Patent Gmbh Dichtleiste und Dichteinrichtung
US11454324B2 (en) * 2020-08-26 2022-09-27 Raytheon Technologies Corporation Face seal carrier arrester
US11401832B2 (en) * 2021-01-05 2022-08-02 Raytheon Technologies Corporation Gas turbine engine including seal plate with separable tabs
DE102021104106B3 (de) 2021-02-22 2022-04-21 Eagleburgmann Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg Gleitringdichtungsanordnung mit direkter Verschleißanzeige
GB2623255A (en) * 2021-07-06 2024-04-10 Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations Llc Erosion prediction for downhole tools

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB8319550D0 (en) 1983-07-20 1983-08-24 Grange Packing Ltd Seal wear indicator
DE3444175C1 (de) 1984-12-04 1986-03-06 Feodor Burgmann Dichtungswerke Gmbh & Co, 8190 Wolfratshausen Verschleissindikator fuer eine Gleitringdichtung
US6615639B1 (en) 1992-02-25 2003-09-09 Ralph Heinzen Self monitoring static seal
US5540448A (en) 1992-02-25 1996-07-30 Heinzen; Ralph Seal with electrical conductor wear indicator
US7270890B2 (en) * 2002-09-23 2007-09-18 Siemens Power Generation, Inc. Wear monitoring system with embedded conductors
US7677079B2 (en) * 2004-02-27 2010-03-16 Mcgill University Method and device for sensing wear
US8527214B2 (en) 2008-10-26 2013-09-03 Michael N. Horak System and method for monitoring mechanical seals
US9541199B2 (en) 2011-04-25 2017-01-10 Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. Seal failure detection systems and related methods
GB2516119B (en) 2013-08-06 2015-06-24 Messier Dowty Ltd An Apparatus Comprising a Sealing Element
GB201401223D0 (en) * 2014-01-24 2014-03-12 Managed Pressure Operations Sealing element wear indicator system
GB2532928A (en) 2014-11-27 2016-06-08 Skf Ab Sealing assembly and method for monitoring a sealing assembly
DE102016214668A1 (de) * 2015-08-26 2017-03-02 Aktiebolaget Skf Lager mit einem Zustandsüberwachungssensor
EP3150875A1 (de) 2015-09-30 2017-04-05 Aktiebolaget SKF Lagerkäfig mit antenne und verfahren zur erkennung des ausfalls eines lagerkäfigs
US11193591B2 (en) * 2017-08-03 2021-12-07 Raytheon Technologies Corporation Seal sacrificial wear indicator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20200309673A1 (en) 2020-10-01
US11112348B2 (en) 2021-09-07
EP3715656A1 (de) 2020-09-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3715656B1 (de) Verschleisssensoren zur überwachung des dichtungsverschleisses in lageranordnungen
US9541128B2 (en) Acoustic emission measurements of a bearing assembly
CN105899945B (zh) 来自解调的声发射的粘度估算
JP2020193968A (ja) 転動装置の診断方法
JP2009063397A (ja) 軸受状態検査装置および軸受状態検査方法
US9644684B2 (en) Capacitance measurement in a bearing housing
EP3913245B1 (de) Verfahren zur diagnose einer walzvorrichtung
US20030098691A1 (en) Device for monitoring the operating conditions of rolling bearing
Moundekar et al. Study of failure modes of rolling bearings: a review
GB1604990A (en) Bearing condition monitoring
US9556913B2 (en) Capacitance measurement in a bearing housing
CN112639311B (zh) 轴承装置
Tu et al. Bearing force monitoring in a three-shift production environment
Antunović Diagnostics and failure of plain bearings
JP3959730B2 (ja) 転がり軸受
Van Evaluation Of Working Status Of Roller Based OnTemperature Factorial
KR200334945Y1 (ko) 저널베어링의 온도측정장치
Baker et al. Failure modes and prognostic techniques for h-60 tail rotor drive system bearings
Dahmer Bearing maintenance practices to ensure maximum bearing life
WO2018173831A1 (ja) 状態監視装置および状態監視方法
CN115244310A (zh) 由压力传感器进行轴承监测
JP2021085493A (ja) 潤滑剤検査装置
Bonnett et al. Motor bearing systems
JP5786302B2 (ja) 密封形多列円すいころ軸受
JP2018159621A (ja) 状態監視装置および状態監視方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20210325

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F16J 15/34 20060101ALI20211008BHEP

Ipc: F16C 19/52 20060101ALI20211008BHEP

Ipc: F16C 17/24 20060101ALI20211008BHEP

Ipc: F16C 33/76 20060101ALI20211008BHEP

Ipc: F16C 33/72 20060101ALI20211008BHEP

Ipc: F16C 41/00 20060101AFI20211008BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20211027

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602019012565

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1476080

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220616

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220616

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1476080

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220617

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220718

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220716

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602019012565

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20221219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230603

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20221130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20221130

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20221130

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20221126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20221126

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20221130

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231019

Year of fee payment: 5

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231020

Year of fee payment: 5

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231019

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220316

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20191126